Device for increasing traffic safety

ABSTRACT

In a system for increasing traffic safety, objects that can be located on or by a sheet are provided with transmitters of short transmission range. The transmitters transmit safety-related data in a form that can be received by receivers in other objects located on or by the street.

This application is the national stage under U.S.C. 371 ofPCT/DE99/01522 filed May 22, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for increasing traffic safety.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In traffic, all participants at present move without informing the otherparticipants concerning their experiences, present situations, anddestinations. Among the few exceptions are, for example, directionalsignals and the brake lights on motor vehicles.

Information regarding other traffic participants in the possession ofall or a portion of the traffic participants would contribute to asignificant improvement in the area of traffic flow and traffic safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This objective is achieved according to the present invention throughthe fact that objects that can be located on or by the roadway arefurnished with transmitters having short transmission ranges, thattransmit safety-related data in a form that can be received by receiversin other objects located on or by the roadway.

In contrast to the customary methods for recognizing other trafficparticipants and/or obstacles, for example, using radar or ultrasoundsensors, the device according to the present invention has the advantagethat information transmitted by the other object is available earlierthan an approximation that is perhaps only measurable in the shortest ofranges, especially that the information present in the other object, forexample, the direction of travel or an intention to change lanes, can bereceived and be taken into account in the reference vehicle even beforethe actual event occurs to which the reference vehicle must react.

In addition, using the device according to the present invention,objects can be taken into account that can be detected by distancemeasuring systems only with difficulty or in distorted form. Thus it isentirely possible to furnish pedestrians with a transmitter of thedevice of the present invention. Trucks having an extremely planar cargoarea, for example, empty automobile transporters, can be recognized assuch using the device according to the present invention, whereasdetection using distance measuring systems frequently “overlooks” thecargo area.

Although devices according to the present invention have their greatesteffectiveness if nearly all vehicles and, if possible, other objects arefurnished with devices according to the present invention, equippingsingle groups of traffic participants, for example, drivers of a specialautomobile model, can be advantageous.

Overall, using the device according to the present invention, increasedsafety, improved traffic flow, and also greater care for the environmentare possible.

One particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to thepresent invention rests in the fact that the objects are motor vehiclesand that the safety-related data contain operational data of thespecific vehicle. On this basis, it is possible to transmit, especiallyto other motor vehicles, information from the past, current information,and information concerning the future behavior of the motor vehicle.

In this embodiment, it is advantageously provided that the operationaldata can be supplied, via a bus system, by at least one other device ofthe vehicle. Since, in modern vehicles, a substantial portion of theinformation is exchanged in any case via a bus system, especially viathe so-called CAN bus, the expense of the device according to thepresent invention can be kept extremely low. In the event thatindividual manufacturers of motor vehicles do not employ standardizeddata formats in their bus systems, it can be provided, in this context,that a device for converting the data format is arranged between the bussystem and the transmitter.

Another advantageous embodiment makes possible a substantial increase intraffic safety as a result of the fact that the operational data includeinformation concerning the specific position of the vehicle andconcerning the velocity, preferably with respect to amount anddirection. Using this information, it is possible, for example, for thedriver of a following vehicle to be made aware of a vehicle travelingslowly in front of him and, optionally, for the following vehicle to bebraked automatically. In this context, in transmitting the direction ofmotion, it is also possible to distinguish between oncoming vehicles andthose traveling in the same direction.

In this embodiment, it can be provided that the operational data alsocontain information regarding changes in the operational data. A changeof this type can be, for example, a braking deceleration, to preventpile-ups.

In addition, it is possible in this embodiment to provide that theoperational data contain information regarding operator inputs in thevehicle. In this way, it is possible, if appropriate, to detect changesin the performance of the vehicle in question even earlier.

The above-mentioned embodiment can also be configured such that theoperational data contain switching information such as turn signallights right/left on, lights and fog lights on/off, windshield wiperson/off. This information, on the one hand, can be evaluated by othervehicles and can be read by the respective drivers as a warning or asgeneral information. However, by evaluating information of this type, itis entirely possible, with the assistance of receivers arranged on theroadway, to generate warnings about, for example, fog or heavy rain.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides that the datacontain authorization information. This embodiment can be applied in amultitude of ways, for example, for improved recognition of officialvehicles (fire department, police, ambulances), or for informationconcerning special authorizations, e.g., the authorization for using abus lane or as access authorization for parking places, garages, andprivate property.

The savings in time until a reaction occurs in a following,transmission-receiving vehicle are particularly large if there is aplurality of other vehicles located between a transmitting vehicle,which, for example, brakes suddenly, and the receiving vehicle. For thenit is possible immediately to display a warning, whereas without thedevice according to the present invention, using a distance measuringsystem, it is necessary to take into account a delay in the reactionfrom one vehicle to another, which adds up for the receiving vehicle.This delay can be especially significant if not all vehicles arefurnished with automatic distance measuring systems and brake systems.In the device according to the present invention, irrespective of theperhaps quite long reaction time of individual vehicles, a reaction canbe initiated if a vehicle traveling relatively far ahead suddenlybrakes.

Transmitters of the device according to the present invention can bearranged not only in vehicles but also in stationary objects. Thus, forexample, in a further refinement of the device according to the presentinvention, it is provided that the objects are traffic signals or roadsigns, the safety-related data containing the position and the specificmeaning for traffic participants. Thus, for example, in the case oftraffic signals, the position and the specific signal setting, i.e.,red, yellow, or green, is transmitted.

In the case of road signs, in addition to an unvarying meaning—forexample, a constant speed limit—, it is also possible to transmitchanging information, for example, a speed limit of 90 km/h, 100 km/h,or 120 km/h. In this context, information concerning the change can beconveyed to the road sign in the customary manner, for example, viacable or via transmitters of greater transmission range.

One other advantageous embodiment rests in the fact that the objects arestationary traffic guidance devices, the safety-related data containingthe position of the specific traffic guidance device. In this manner,beacons, which, for example, border a construction area, and otherroadway boundary markers can be safeguarded in a simple manner.

In order that the transmitted information be able to be used invehicles, it is provided according to a further embodiment of thepresent invention that, for receiving the transmitted data, built-inreceivers are arranged in vehicles. This embodiment is preferablydesigned so that the receivers are connected, in each case, to anevaluation unit, which compares the information contained in thereceived data with the operational data of the reference vehicle andthereupon decides whether the respective data received from atransmitter of an object are relevant for the reference vehicle, andthat in the event the specific data in the reference vehicle arerelevant, a display is activated. In this way, important information canbe given to the driver of the vehicle.

However, to make a reaction possible even in the event of theinattentiveness of the driver, it can also be provided in thisembodiment that an intervention take place in the drive/brake system ofthe reference vehicle. Depending on the design of the vehicle, thisintervention can be carried out via appropriate control units, which,for example, also deal with the light distribution and navigation.

In another embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that astationary receiver be configured for the statistical evaluation of thespeeds received from vehicles. In this way, data on traffic control andthe production of traffic messages, especially TMC messages, can beextracted.

In the refinements and embodiments of the present invention heretoforementioned, the transmission of data making possible an identification ofthe vehicle in the form of, e.g., a police identifier, has been left outof the account. This can also be for reasons of data protection.However, to the extent that it is permitted generally or in a specificcase, it can be provided in accordance with a further refinement thatthe transmitted data in addition to operational data contain data foridentifying the vehicle.

This refinement makes possible further advantageous embodiments. Thus,for example, it can be provided that, in a stationary receiver, anevaluation unit compares previously stored data with received data foridentification purposes and emits a signal if the receivedidentification conforms with one of the stored identifications. Usingthis embodiment, it is possible to detect an illegally used vehicle or avehicle having special authorization. Optionally, the emitted signal canthen be used for the information of a police station or even for closingor opening a barrier.

This embodiment can also be refined such that the signal emitted by theevaluation unit is conveyed via a likewise stationary transmitter to thereceiver of the specific vehicle, resulting in the shutdown of thevehicle.

A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention employing theidentification of the vehicle rests in the fact that a plurality ofstationary receivers arranged in a roadway network conveyidentifications to a central office for calculating tolls.

Finally, a device according to the present invention can also beconfigured such that a stationary receiver is provided with a device forrecording the identification and speed received from a specific vehicle.Thus, speed controls can be carried out in a simple manner, avoiding thedisadvantages of customary radar surveillance—namely, theconspicuousness of radar installations, the high personnel requirements,and the imprecision of the measurements.

Depending on the detailed requirements and prerequisites, much currentinformation of interest for other traffic participants can betransmitted so that the driver's own decisions can be made better, morerapidly, and with greater confidence. Below, information of this type isindicated, a division being undertaken as a function of the time or thespace the information relates to.

1. From the past, before time x or from space x:

is coming from direction x

wiper system was active

light was on

front fog lights were active

speed was . . .

I braked

anti-lock system was active

driving dynamics control was active

I accelerated

I stopped

steering angle left/right

turn signal lights left/right

radius of curve

direction of curve

tendency of the curve direction

incline/gradient

tendency of incline/gradient

banking slope

permissible speed

kind of street, type of street

width of roadway

width of lane

lanes in each direction of travel

distance to the next intersection

bridge

tunnel

railway overpass.

2. From the present:

I am traffic participant x (e.g., passenger car truck, pedestrian,motorcycle, tractor, bicyclist, vehicle make, etc.)

I am traffic participant of the group x (e.g., automobile make)

location (from navigation)

current speed

I am about to brake

anti-lock system is active

driving dynamics control is active

I am about to accelerate

wiper system is on

light is on

fog lamps are on

I am parking

I am traveling in direction

I am stopping

steering angle left/right

turn signal lights left/right

radius of curve

direction of curve

tendency of the curve direction

incline/gradient

tendency of incline/gradient

banking slope

permissible speed

kind of street, type of street

width of roadway

width of lane

lanes in each direction of travel

distance to the next intersection

bridge

tunnel

railway overpass.

emergency call, I need help

I have a technical problem

distance to vehicle in front of me is x

I am passing.

3. For the future:

I am traveling/intending to travel to

I am moving in the direction

I see an obstacle in front of me at location x

speed will be (automatic speed control).

The kind and number of the informational units that are transmitted orare received from other traffic participants, ultimately depends onwhether this information is available to the transmitting trafficparticipant. Therefore, the number of informational entries can varyfrom object to object. The data can be anonymous or can be related tothe specific traffic participant. The information does not need to bestored, or needs only to be stored in abbreviated form, by the specificreceiving traffic participants. In this context, the selection of theinformation relevant in the specific case can be changeable, forexample, depending on the position, a specific code, or a code assignedto a group (for example, the vehicles of one manufacturer).

From one traffic participant, only that information is transmitted whichis also available. For example, a vehicle that is parking can onlytransmit vehicle type and location. A bicyclist can only transmit, forexample, vehicle type, location, and direction of travel, etc. A trafficparticipant will only further process the data that are of interest forhim, namely, that which permit him to arrive at better decisions for hisbehavior. In principle, all vehicle participants, including pedestrians,can be equipped with a corresponding device.

The extra expense for the device according to the present invention islimited to a transmitting/receiving unit having an interface to one or aplurality of bus systems, which are present in any case. The requiredtransmitting power is extremely low, i.e., generally lower than that ofa hand mobile telephone (Handy). In the event that radio sets arepresent, they can also be used, if appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a device according to the present invention which isconnected via a plurality of bus systems to information sources andsinks inside a vehicle.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for selecting the information to be transmittedaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for selecting received information for furtherprocessing according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 in the form of a block diagram, depicts a comprehensiveinformation system of a vehicle, it being entirely possible to addfurther undepicted components, although in many cases far fewercomponents may also be present. Due to differing requirements,especially regarding data transmission capacity, a total of three bussystems 1, 2, 3 are provided, which are connected via a bus-interface 4to a transmitting/receiving device 5, which has an antenna 6.

Bus-interface 4 controls the access of transmitting/receiving device 5to individual bus systems 1, 2, 3, and also optionally converts varyingdata formats. The following components are controlled or monitored viabus system 1: heating/air conditioning 7, chassis 8, remote operation 9,automatic headlight leveling control 10, headlights or outside lights11, and, via a further interface 12, the actuation or control of windows13, doors 14, seats 15, and restraint systems 16.

Second bus system 2 connects the following components to each other and,via interface 4, to transmitting/receiving device 5: courtesy interiorlight 17, check control 18, steering wheel or steering gear 19, displayunit/combination instrument 20, radio 21, radio set/telephone 22, hi-fiamplifier 23, operating element of a special vehicle computer 24,parking aids 25, navigation system 26, TV/video recorder 27, and PCoptionally having Internet connection 28.

Third bus system 3 mainly functions to control and monitor the drivetrain or the brakes, and for this purpose is connected to thecomponents, engine electronics 29, transmission electronics 30, and acomponent 31 which contains an anti-lock system, an anti-spinregulation, and/or a driving dynamics control. Components 29 through 31,on account of the meaning and scope of the data exchange among them, areconnected to a further bus system 32, independently of bus system 3.Connected to bus system 3 are also a speed control system 33, anautomatic cruise control 34, and control unit 35 for an airbag. Inprinciple, transmitting/receiving device 5 has access via bus-interface4 to all information that is exchanged via bus systems 1, 2, 3. In thiscontext, it can be determined by the worker skilled in the art, whichinformation should be transmitted or received. In the following, anumber of examples and the evaluation of this information are brieflydiscussed.

Thus, for example, the condition of component 31 (ABS+ASR+FDR) can beused for a controlled generation of traffic messages. If, for example,in response to each activation of an anti-spin regulation or of theanti-lock system, a message is transmitted to this effect that isreceived by a receiver situated on the roadway shoulder, it is possibleto conclude from an accumulation of messages of this type that an icypatch has formed on the roadway in the area of this receiver. From anaccumulation of messages concerning switched-on headlights, it ispossible to draw a conclusion regarding fog or rain in the event thatthis switching-on is not occurring for other reasons (darkness at night,legal requirements).

In the flowchart depicted in FIG. 2, the assumption is made that at 41all the data present on the bus systems are available. In each case, adata set incorporating one piece of information is checked at 42 to seewhether it could be important for other traffic participants and whetherit should be communicated to them. If this is not the case, then at 41the next piece of information is read out. However, if the informationshould be communicated to others, then at 43 a coding takes place and at44 the transmission takes place via transmitting/receiving device 5.Although the present invention assumes transmitters having a short rangeof, for example, several 100 m, it is possible, in an individual case,to provide the transmission of individual informational entries over agreater transmission range, for example, using mobile radio.

The flowchart according to FIG. 3 assumes that a receiver initiallyreceives all information at 45, whereupon at 46 the respectiveinformation is checked as to whether it is important for the referencevehicle. If this is not the case, then at 45 the next informationalentry is received and is checked at 46. If a piece of information isconsidered important for the reference vehicle, then at 47 a decodingtakes place and at 48 a transfer to the bus system of the referencevehicle.

In addition to the possibilities previously described, it is alsoespecially useful to equip transmitters on stationary objects such astraffic signals or road signs with a GPS receiver. GPS include, forexample all receivers of this type which have the capacity autonomouslyto determine the location of the receiver based on satellite positioningsystems. The information obtained in this manner concerning the locationof the receiver can then be conveyed to the transmitter also located atthis location, the transmitter transmitting this information togetherwith the further information previously described. In this manner, thestationary transmitter knows its precise location, which makes itpossible to calibrate, for example, the navigation systems on boardpassing vehicles. Further possibilities are to be seen in the ability towarn about present dangers, if the location of the danger is known.Thus, for example, a transmitter can be programmed such that atkilometer 87 a blocking of the right lane of a highway is transmitted.The transmitter itself can be positioned on the highway in front of theobstacle. On the basis of the GPS receiver, the transmitter is then ableto autonomously calculate the distance to the construction site and thusto transmit the message that, for example, in 1000 m a blocking of theright lane will occur. This information is then received by the vehicleand is displayed on an instrument of the vehicle. As a result of thismeasure, a transmitter can be implemented very flexibly and can bepositioned at any distance in front of a construction site, withoutundergoing any further adjustments of its own.

A further advantageous area of application of the present invention canbe found in car rentals. In this context, the renter equips his vehicleswith an individual identifier and thereby with the possibility of remotequerying, e.g., regarding the mileage. When the vehicle passes by atransmitter installed in the vicinity of the auto rental agency, then aquery can be initiated so that the vehicle communicates to the beaconnot only its mileage but also, inter alia, the general state of thevehicle. The billing documents can then be prepared while the customeris coming to the window. In addition, the rental agency knows whichvehicles are located in which area of the agency's parking lot.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for increasing traffic safety,comprising: a transmitter having a short transmission range equipped inan object located on or by a street, the transmitter configured totransmit safety-related data; a receiver arranged in a first vehicle,the receiver configured to receive the safety-related data; and anevaluation unit arranged in the first vehicle and coupled to thereceiver, the evaluation unit configured to compare information in thereceived safety-related data with operational data of the first vehicle,the evaluation unit configured to determine whether the information isrelevant to the first vehicle, wherein if the information is relevant tothe vehicle, the evaluation unit displays an indication of at least someof the relevant information and initiating an intervention in adrive/brake system of the first vehicle.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the object is a motor vehicle and the safety-related dataincludes operational data of the motor vehicle.
 3. The system of claim2, further comprising: a bus system arranged in the motor vehicle, theoperational data being supplied from a device of the motor vehicle viathe bus sytem.
 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a device toconvert a data format of the safety-related data, the device beingarranged between the bus system and the transmitter of the motorvehicle.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the operational datatransmitted by the motor vehicle includes information on a specificposition and a speed of the motor vehicle.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the information on the specific position and the speed includeboth quantity and direction.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein theoperational data transmitted by the motor vehicle further includesinformation on changes in the operational data.
 8. The system of claim5, wherein the operational data transmitted by the motor vehicle furtherincludes information regarding operator inputs in the motor vehicle. 9.The system of claim 5, wherein the operational data transmitted by themotor vehicle further includes switching information, the switchinginformation including at least one of: turn signal lights right/left on,light, fog light on/off, and windshield wiper on/off.
 10. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the transmitted operational data includes authorizationinformation.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the object is one of atraffic signal and a road sign, and wherein the safety-related dataincludes a position and meaning of the object.
 12. The system of claim1, wherein the object is a stationary traffic guidance device, andwherein the safety-related data includes a position of the trafficguidance device.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter isconfigured to transmit data for identifying the object.
 14. The systemof claim 1, wherein the transmitter is fed a GPS location signal of aGPS receiver situated at a location of the transmitter.